Exhaust manifold date codes

[Roger G.]

My 69 427 ..... Build date 3/11/69 .......has one manifold dated march 3 69 and the other dated October 23 68. I understand these were cast and then stored until needed, but what is the usual situation as far as the spread on dates between right and left exhaust manifolds?

[Roger G.]

Re: Exhaust manifold date codes

Can anyone shed some light on this?

[Mike F.]

Re: Exhaust manifold date codes

[John H.]

Re: Exhaust manifold date codes

My 69 427 ..... Build date 3/11/69 .......has one manifold dated march 3 69 and the other dated October 23 68. I understand these were cast and then stored until needed, but what is the usual situation as far as the spread on dates between right and left exhaust manifolds?

Roger -

Those exhaust manifolds were cast about 100 yards from where they were machined and installed on the engine; who knows how one sits in a corner longer than another one? Doesn't really matter, as both are within the six-month window.

[Terry M.]

Re: Exhaust manifold date codes

My 69 427 ..... Build date 3/11/69 .......has one manifold dated march 3 69 and the other dated October 23 68. I understand these were cast and then stored until needed, but what is the usual situation as far as the spread on dates between right and left exhaust manifolds?

It doesn't matter very much what the build date of your car is. The exhaust manifolds were installed on the engine at the engine assembly plant. Thus the dates on the exhaust manifolds relate to the engine assembly date -- stamped on the pad. The exhaust manifolds could have sat around a while before they went on the engine -- then the engine is shipped from Tonawanda (Buffalo) New York to St Louis, then the engine is installed in your car. That is three delays -- relax. Enjoy your car.

[Roger G.]

Re: Exhaust manifold date codes

It doesn't matter very much what the build date of your car is. The exhaust manifolds were installed on the engine at the engine assembly plant. Thus the dates on the exhaust manifolds relate to the engine assembly date -- stamped on the pad. The exhaust manifolds could have sat around a while before they went on the engine -- then the engine is shipped from Tonawanda (Buffalo) New York to St Louis, then the engine is installed in your car. That is three delays -- relax. Enjoy your car.

So the manifolds were installed on/before the assembly date on the pad...but not after?

[William C.]

Re: Exhaust manifold date codes

Absolutely, although in rare occasions it is possible to have a batch cast, and machined on the same date and installed, rarely, but could happen. Usually cast a couple of days or a week or two before installation.